You know when you have something really BIG to share, but you can’t share it for one reason or another and then it builds up in your head and your head just about explodes and then the time finally comes when you’re able to share it and then you’re like, oh wait, I think this is only big to me.
Well, the big news is: I did it! I stepped down as managing editor of KoreAm Journal, the magazine I work for. (I realize now that most of you probably never knew what my day job was, which makes this announcement rather anticlimactic.) Nothing “happened,” and I’ll still be working with KoreAm on a part-time schedule as the online media manager, but oh my heavens. How can I describe the magnitude of this move without rehashing the last two years of my life? I feel like a little bird who’s finally able to fly after suffering from a broken wing. I feel like a 500-pound weight has been lifted from my shoulders and I can now frolic into the sunlight. I feel … really effin’ happy.
My biggest reason for leaving my position was so that I could become a freelance writer. And as of, well, right now, I AM A FREELANCE WRITER. I am so excited about this. It’s always been my goal to be my own company/brand/one-gal-show and work for a variety of sites and publications and I’m already off to a pretty good start — oh wait, maybe I shouldn’t jinx myself. You see, I’m learning very quickly that the life of a freelance writer is one of breath-holding and finger-crossing and lots of crushed dreams. It’s like you’re in that awful “Will he call me?” phase forever. It’s gonna take some time getting used to being the rejectee rather than the rejector, but I’m learning to be tough. ROAR. (Don’t hurt me.)
[And this is where I proceed to whore myself out.]
So as a freelance writer, I am hireable. As in available for hire. As in you pay me and I write stuff. (See how eloquent I am?) A brief work history: I have more than six years of experience as a professional journalist. For three years, I worked as a daily newspaper reporter at The Arizona Republic, first covering education (things like freak dancing!) and then fashion and beauty (things like men’s spas!). I then went onto work at KoreAm, where I covered all things Korean American (even Jon & Kate, pre-scandals!)
Further proof that I am legit: I have business cards!
Designed by the fabulous eeko studio. Check the eeko blog for upcoming news about a special offer on business cards.
So yeah, if you need a writer or might know of someone who needs a writer, contact me, we’ll talk.
[End of whoring]
That’s that, I love my new life (all five minutes of it) and I’ll be sure to keep you updated on how things are going. Also, in case you were wondering, this website will still just be a blog about my silly life. The only difference is that now I’ll have more time to document the silliness. Score.
There’s a 50-page sub-story to all of this, which includes how tough it was to make this career decision and how, I’m even not kidding, the blogosphere has helped me soar, but for now I’ll just say thank you. You know who you are.
yay! i know what you mean about being so effin happy about being free of the day job. good luck to you in your future endeavors. it’ll be tough, but so totally worth it.
Woo!
(and finally! I have been checking your site for like a week since you hinted at this. Um, stalk much?)
Congrats! That is so exciting, and I’m a little envious! :)
I’m so happy for you! It sounds like you made the best decision for you and that is all that matters :)
I love those cards! Sadly, I don’t need any now that I’m going to be a starving student again. I’ll have to remember these for the future, though.
Congrats, lady! I could feel something like this in the works for you & I’m so happy to hear you took the LEAP! xoxox
And those business cards are way rad.
Those cards are adorable. Congrats on leaving your day job – so exciting!!
Congrats on going for it Mish. I am proud of you. xoxo
Congrats—that’s a huge leap which takes a lot of courage! I’m sure you’re freelance move will be a great one!
Very scary. Very exciting. I’m quite certain you will fly high in this new world of yours. Can’t wait to come along for the ride!
woo! congrats! I hope you finds lots of work to keep you happily busy.
Congratulations, that’s AMAZING – I’m excited to hear all about your world domination as it progresses.
Congratulations on taking the step towards independence. It’s a scary road, but the most rewarding. And I love the business cards!!! I gotta have one!
Congratulations, Michelle – on making the leap of faith!! :) You can do it!!
Yay, I’m so happy for you! And I’m even quite envious, as I would love to be even a small-time once-per-week freelance writer. Yay for you! Hey, does this mean we can all hang out soon? I miss you guys!
Wait, I DO know some people who might be able to use a writer! I’ll be writing you shortly with some ideas.
Plus, I would like a stack of your rad business cards.
Congrats! Lots and lots of luck!
Your business cards make me smile. Congrats though! I hope everything is freaking awesome for you :-D
Yeea you’re hireable! To the maximus! You make me want some business cards
yay! that’s so exciting and i sort of love your business cards, they are all sorts of awesome.
That’s pretty freaking exciting! I’m currently do some freelance graphic designing and one the best things about it is being your boss, setting your own schedule, and having more free time.
By the way, those business cards look pretty slick.
Best of luck moving forward!
Congrats! That is very exciting and I’m happy for you.
you are brave, woman! congrats!
p.s. you should freelance for hyphen! emphasis on the free though…
http://www.hyphenmagazine.com
Congrats, Michelle. Big, big step for you. So proud of you :)
Congrats on a next big move and for having the guts to go after what you want to do!! That’s so awesome. :)
On a side note from years back, the copy desk was in stitches when we discovered that a way older gentleman (who is no longer with us, rip) had picked up the freak-dancing story to edit it and write the headline.
Wow, I love those business cards. They definitely suit you.
Congrats on the transition! Welcome to DAYS and WEEKS of endless waiting, wondering if you need to email editors again, or if it was alright to do multiple submissions to competing publications, or if you’ll see another paycheck in the next month or three.
On the upside, you can now wake up at 10 (unless you plan on emailing editors on the East Coast, in which case you can now wake up at 4).
Fun times!! Happy times!!
I’m SO proud of you! I know it’s a big, terrifying step, but you’re going to be so much happier. The older I get, the more I realize that living the “dream” is living your life. Make time for what you love, and everything will fall into place. This comes from the girl who waited it out and just got a 6 month contract for her dream job! Who knows where I’ll be a year from now, but for the time being, I’m elated!
I got your email and meant to write a nice, thoughtfully written congratulations-you’re-so-brave-good-for-you type response, but then, um.
Well, here we are!
Congratulations! You’re so brave! Good for you!
No, really, Michelle. If anybody can succeed at this, you can. Remember us when you’re famous!